Chenonceau

This chateau was first built in 1513 and later improved by later inhabitants such as Catherine de Medicis when she was exiled here. It is built on the beautiful Cher river. During WWII the chateau, by mutual agreement, was off limits to both sides and was often used for secret meetings and prisoner exchanges.

(Click on each photo to get the full-sized image)

Exterior of the Chateau as seen from the Cher River.

The Guard Tower.

This drawbridge is between the guard tower and the chateau

This small drawbridge is on the other end of the gardens

Near the drawbridge was a boat landing. Food was often delivered to the kitchens by boat.

Seen here is part of a moat surrounding the property.

Moat on the side and back of the sunken gardens.

The sunken gardens. These gardens are very non-traditional in shape and plantings.

View of the gardens from the chateau showing the surrounding "moat". At the extreme back right corner of the gardens can be seen the top of the small drawbridge.

The fountain in the sunken garden.

Note the very unusual shapes of the bushes and trees!

The raised garden on the opposite side of the chateau. This is a more traditional French garden.

View of the chateau as seen from the raised gardens.

In the open lawn in front of the chateau is found this unusual and beautiful plant.